I am traveling to Florida next month, and will have 4 days between the time I arrive in Miami and my arrival in Key West for a boat trip to the Dry Tortugas. I have been to Florida before, but not since I had my 500 f4 lens, so I would like to get some time in for nature photography, mainly birds, in those 4 days.
My current plan is to spend one day at the rookery in Venice, one day at Sanibel Island, and two days in the Everglades. I would appreciate advise about other options; how would you spend your time if it was you? Practical tips about shooting these locations are also apprciated.
Don't forget to stop by Little Estero Lagoon. Hands down the best place to do low angle work like these both taken there. One can just squat in the water keeping the lens inches above the waterline. The birds just crawl all over you!
My research shows that Ding Darling refuge on Sanibel Island has declined in recent years. If so it is too bad, I was there a few years ago and it was great. Can anyone corroborate?
I went to Ding Darling a few times recently and it was a shut out each time.
Agreed with Conrad on Estero. If you're interested in Burrowing Owl's its nearly a slam dunk at Brian Piccolo Park near Hollywood. Bit north of where you're starting but its worth it for Owls.
Thanks for the tip Vince, I am taking a red eye flight and arrive in Miami early AM, I could head to Hollywood first before going to Venice. Too bad about Ding Darling.
Corkscrew Swamp and Shark Valley are the places I would add to the list. For Burrowing Owls the best locations for me have been near the Cape Coral Lee County Library and near Tigertail Beach on Marco Island. Also, no need to drive all the way to Venice. Wakodahachee and Green Cay Wetlands are just north of Miami.
By the way, which dates are you going to be on the Dry Tortugas Boat Trip? I am going to be on the 28 Apr -1 May trip. The week before I will be doing bird photography in the Everglades and the Keys.
